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'Beamer' mascot raises funds for children affected by addiction

When it comes to local celebrities, few have risen faster or higher than "Beamer" the cartoon character who speaks to children affected by addiction on behalf of the Hazelden Betty Ford Center Children's Program.

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'Beamer' mascot raises funds for children affected by addiction

When it comes to local celebrities, few have risen faster or higher than "Beamer" the cartoon character who speaks to children affected by addiction on behalf of the Hazelden Betty Ford Center Children's Program.

Beamer turned five this year, and has raised over $3,375,000 million in funding for over 2500 thousand children affected by an addiction in their family. Last week's 5th Annual Beamer Awards Gala was held at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort and drew over 365 guests at $750 each. The total amount raised from underwriters, program ads and additional pledges was an estimated $375,000.

Among those on the underwriting list were some of our Valley's best-known names:

The platinum sponsor was Bank of the West, Wealth Management BNP Paribas Group and Ambassador William and Sue Timken.

TV Emmy winner and KESQ news-anchor icon Karen Devine hosted the show and received wild applause when she made a surprise announcement, revealing her own very personal experience with the Betty Ford Children's Program. For the first time, she publically confirmed that she and her two sons (now ages 18 and 21) went through the program, learning how to deal with her former husband's addiction. There was also a video with an addiction-affected family consisting of a paramedic, his wife, their son and daughter. Hearing the children say, "We know it's not our fault" left guests with not-a-dry-eye in the crowd.

Co-chairs Madeline Redstone and Sue Timken with Beamer.(Photo: Lani Garfield, Special to The Desert Sun)

Other touching remarks were made by Betsy Farver, VP of Philanthropy & Alumni Relations, and William Moyers, VP of Public and Community Relations.

Throughout the ceremony, four youngsters (three girls and one boy) remained on stage, representing the thousands of children who have been helped by this program.

In addition to the local headquarters on the Eisenhower campus, this program has offices and staff in Texas and Colorado. And Beamer's World Website sends out its messages of hope and help across the globe to families affected by addiction.

JERRY MOE: THE VALLEY'S "MOTHER THERESA"

The evening honored Jerry Moe, who has headed the Children's Program for 18 years. Every speaker had touching words of praise for Moe's dedication to not only the Children's Program, but his decades of service and eagerness to help everyone he meets. But it took co-chair Maddy Redstone to sum it up, saying, "I call him my "Mother Theresa."

Moe, in return, did what he does best: He warmed every heart in the room, choking up as he thanked his wife of 37 years, Michelle, and his three children, Josh, Megan and Aubrey.

Honoree Jerry Moe.(Photo: Lani Garfield, Special to The Desert Sun)

He also mentioned those who worked so hard to bring the Children's Program and Beamer to life, crediting the late philanthropist Lois Horvitz, also known as "Beamer's Godmother."

The worker bees were a swarm of energy felt across the entire Valley for months before the big event. The Beamer team was led, pulled, pushed and praised by the relentlessly upbeat co-chairs, Maddy Redstone and Sue Timken, who, in turn, were shadowed round the clock by Show Producer Debbie Green. They all thanked workers like Jan Hart, Greg Fisher and Robin Costello who always found the time and energy to help, no matter how full their plates.

The Hazelden Betty Ford Center staff gave their all, along with Trick Dog Films, Rachel Horwitz, Kool Party and Andrea Carter. Plus Green's own crew who, she said, "Always make me look good."

Sponsor Sue and Ambassador William Timkin.(Photo: Lani Garfield, Special to The Desert Sun)

Green also thanked the JW Marriott staff for their incredible cooperation, adding that she was forced to "give one for the team" when she was required to sample 15 different desert tarts in order to select the three winners – pecan, lemon and raspberry – that were served to the guests after a sumptuous filet-mignon and salmon dinner.

The evening closed with a concert by the band, Blood, Sweat & Tears, with Bo Bice, the 9-piece group that has evolved from the original rock-and-jazz sensation more than four decades ago. Brice became its vocalist following his huge success on the Fox TV show, "American Idol."

The Betty Ford Children's Program is used by counselors, teachers, prevention specialist and other caring adults to teach children how to cope with family addiction. The new interactive website also allows them to stay connected to Beamer after they complete the program No family is charged for this program if they cannot afford to pay.